From The Straits Times    |


THE PLAYHOUSE & CAFE @ ROCHESTER PARK
7 Rochester Park, tel: 6773-1312
“Apart from a reasonably priced kids’ menu, the main draw is the outdoor play area, as well as an air-conditioned playhouse that kids can enjoy at a fee. I feel safe letting my kids play and do craftwork under the supervision of the friendly staff while I relax with friends over good food and coffee in the dining area.” – Klessis Lee, 36, procurement executive

BLISSHOUSE THEME RESTAURANT
#03-21 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, tel: 6225-5532
“The restaurant is like a fairytale garden. Tables and chairs are set on a faux lawn, with magical touches like a carriage, ‘smoking’ water fountain and grass bridge. The pretty interior also has ample space for kids to run about and play. The food is good, and a kids’ menu is available too.”  Grace Chen, 31, investor relations manager

HAI DI LAO
#02-04 Clarke Quay, Block 3D River Valley Road, tel: 6337-8626
“At Hai Di Lao, I can register my kids at the children’s play corner before my meal. The kids each have an identification sticker, and staff are on hand to look after and play with them. My daughter was even given an express manicure at no extra charge. The waiters are extremely patient, and always attentive to the needs of the children. Plus, I noticed a table that included a baby cot for parents with infants.” – Sherry See, 33, business owner

ZAFFRON KITCHEN
135/137 East Coast Road, tel: 6440-6786
“One of my kids’ favourite restaurants, Zaffron Kitchen serves up tasty North and South Indian cuisine that’s surprisingly palatable to children. It has great food, friendly staff and a cheerful atmosphere, while the play area and diaper station are perfect for families.” – Cassandra Yeo, 41, drama director

LOTS GOURMET STOP
Changi Garden, 965A Upper Changi Road North, tel: 6633-9651
“I love having brunch here with my baby boy and his toddler cousins on weekends. The cafe makes a mean eggs Benedict, pancake stacks and carbonara, and the Italian coffee is robust. They also have kids’ meals and milkshakes with great flavours. Besides providing children with cute cutlery, plates and cups, they also whip out high chairs in a jiffy and help parents with prams. They don’t bat an eyelid when kids make a mess or a ruckus, and provide new cutlery with a smile when the children drop theirs on the floor.
When your hands are full, it’s nice to have additional help.” – Arabelle Chan, 33, dyslexia specialist educator

PRIVE
2 Keppel Bay Vista, tel: 6776-0777
“Prive is by the water, so the dining area is quite cool even though it’s mainly alfresco. My sons love the yachts, breeze and large open space. There’s also a small play area with a slide, and plenty of space for strollers too.” – June Ong, 30, country sales manager

EATPLAYLOVE CRAFT CAFE
#01-07 Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, tel: 6444-6400
“Eatplaylove is a gem for parents who want to occupy their children with enriching activities instead of distracting them with a mobile device. It has a kids’ corner that offers a free flow craft materials for an hourly charge. Working together on crafty activities like stuffing and decorating a plush doll, colouring and baking plastic charms for a bracelet offers a wonderful opportunity for parent-child bonding. There’s also plenty of space for strollers and for kids to roam. My children always enjoy their time at the cafe.” – Audrey Sim, 34, marketing manager

QUAYSIDE FISH BAR & BISTRO
#01-11 Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, tel: 6268-8633
“The restaurant has a pleasant ambience with an adult-appropriate menu, yet it’s incredibly accommodating to children. While they didn’t have fries on the menu or dedicated kids’ meals, they obliged with a half-portion of fries – without salt – when I told them I wanted to order something for my toddler.” – Rachel Ng, 32, finance manager

This article was originally published in Simply Her January 2015.